Saperi e Sapori

A celebration of taste in the village of Savoca

Saperi e Sapori is the autumn festival that brings Savoca to life every October—a small, renowned village in the province of Messina, Sicily. Promoted by the Municipality of Savoca through the Department of Agriculture and Productive Activities, the event was created to showcase the agricultural, gastronomic, and artisanal roots of the region, bringing together local producers, artisans, and visitors for a weekend of tastings, music, and folk traditions.

Local products and culinary trails

The heart of the festival is the food and wine trail set up among the exhibition stands, where visitors can sample specialties from the Savoca and Messina traditions. Culinary highlights include porchetta, cuzzola (traditional fried dough), grilled sausage, ancient grains, Messina-style street food, and a rich selection of autumn desserts:

• Lemon granita with zuccarata
• Cuzzole roasted over charcoal
• Lemon cake and almond pastries
• Filled cannulicchi and traditional sweets

Ancient crafts, music, and folklore

Beyond the table, "Saperi e Sapori" offers a chance to rediscover ancient crafts and local artisan work, with demonstrations and markets that tell the story of the community's expertise. Evenings are accompanied by traditional live music—ballroom dancing, group dances, and Sicilian folk music—while children can enjoy entertainment, inflatables, and family-oriented shows.

Savoca, one of Sicily's most beautiful villages

The setting for the festival is one of the most fascinating places in the Messina area: Savoca, perched on the hills overlooking the Ionian coast, is world-famous for being a filming location for The Godfather and is ranked among the most prestigious villages in the region. The event takes place primarily in Piazza San Francesco di Paola, in the hamlet of the same name, with connections to the historic center, offering visitors the opportunity to combine the pleasure of dining with the discovery of the municipality's historical and scenic heritage.

An autumn appointment

Firmly established in the autumn event calendar of the Metropolitan City of Messina, "Saperi e Sapori" is an opportunity to rediscover the most authentic side of Sicily—one defined by genuine flavors, farming traditions, and village conviviality. It is a free-entry event designed for residents and tourists who wish to experience the Sicilian autumn through taste, culture, and good company.